IG insists mayhem is communal clash

For the umpteenth time, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said the attacks on Logo and Gumal local councils of Benue State were a communal clash.

During a peace meeting between the Fulanis and the Tivs of Nasarawa yesterday in Lafia, Idris apologised to his critics in Benue State. He called on the victims to sustain their peaceful coexistence.

Similarly, the interim chairman of Awe local council of Nasarawa State, Tafida Hudu, has pleaded with the Federal Government to deploy troops to the affected communities in the area.

Also yesterday, Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura denied the shielding of herdsmen in the state.Refuting the claim of the Benue government, he called on the affected communities to remain calm, saying government was doing everything possible to restore peace and order as quickly as possible.

According to the council chief, “except soldiers and some other security agents are deployed, peace may not return to the communities.”He added: “ All Tiv people in Awe council area have fled and left their farm products because of the attacks. If the soldiers are not deployed to these communities to assure them of their safety, they will never return to their habitats.”